Meeting Messi gave new Barça signing Mina goosebumps

The Colombian defender finalised his move from Palmeiras to Barcelona on Saturday and detailed his first encounter with superstar Lionel Messi.

New Barcelona signing Yerry Mina got goosebumps when he encountered "the best in the world" Lionel Messi for the first time since joining the club.

"The best in the world"

The Catalan giants announced an €11.8million deal to bring Mina from Palmeiras on Thursday, the Colombia international putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The 23-year-old is pleased to join a club possessing top-tier talent, detailing the impact his first meeting with Messi and Luis Suarez had on him.

"For me, he [Messi] is the best in the world. The first impression I got of him was one of humility. I got goosebumps when Messi approached me with Suarez in the dressing room," said Mina.

Unusual entrance

The centre-back raised eyebrows by stepping onto the Camp Nou pitch with bare feet during his presentation to supporters.

"There is a saying in my country that says, 'Touch the land you want to conquer with the sole of your feet.' And here I want to make history with everyone. I always do it and I hope to succeed," he said.